George A. Castro
George A. Castro, 81, of East Providence, RI passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 17, 2018. He was the husband of Avis L. (Vaz) Castro.Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Jusino A. and Marion A. (Johnson) Castro.
Mr. Castro was the Director for Blacks Interested in Communication. A native of Providence, George attended Central High School where he was an active member of both the theatre program and student council. Upon graduation, he attended Providence College, where he discovered his passion for helping others through community involvement. This passion initially led him to work as the Director of the Neighborhood Youth Core in the City of Providence. A role where he helped guide young people through skill building, and mentorship. Later, inspired to run for office, Mr. Castro was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 1980. Holding the title of Deputy Majority Leader, where he served his constituents with integrity, distinction, and honor for eighteen years. He was a member of, and served as Secretary of the House Finance committee, where he remained a voice for social justice and upheld parties to ensure sound financial decisions were made for the people of Rhode Island. Throughout his career George worked tirelessly to use his voice as a platform to address issues of inequity within not only the African American community, but the community at large, advocating for all who have historically been pushed to the margins of American Society. Outside of politics he was an avid boxer, undefeated in his younger years, and later became the Chairman of the Permanent Commission on Boxing, Wrestling, and Kickboxing. He served as Executive Producer of the television show “Let’s Talk About it Now,” an acted as both Executive Producer and host for programs on WSNE and WHIM Radio. In addition to the aforementioned he was a licensed real estate agent, and connoisseur of Jazz culture. Some will remember George as an exemplary husband, father and grandfather. Others will remember him as a celebrated boxer, media specialist and community activist. However, all will remember his smile, humility, unwavering support, and impeccable dance moves.
Besides his wife he leaves four children, Valentino H. Freeman, IV and his wife Denise of East Providence, Michael V. Freeman and his wife Rose of Winter Garden, Fl, Brian D. Castro of East Providence, Regina M. Moura and her husband Paul of East Providence, one sister, Rene Whales of Maryland, one stepbrother, Thomas Meyers of Virginia, twelve grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren and one great great grandson. He was the father of the late Keith E. Freeman and Terri R. Sanchez.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 9:00 AM from the Perry-McStay Funeral Home, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Traverse Street, Providence. Burial will be held in North Burial Ground, Providence. Calling hours Tuesday 4-8.
